The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has expressed dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s recent release of N11.9 billion to offset salary and allowance arrears owed to medical professionals.
NARD President Muhammad Suleiman stated that the strike will continue until the government provides clarity on implementing the association’s minimum demands.
Suleiman questioned the breakdown of the N11.9 billion, saying it doesn’t add up to the figures discussed with the government.
According to Suleiman, the conversation last week mentioned N2.9 billion for accoutrement allowance, N2.4 billion for non-clinical duty allowance (which won’t benefit resident doctors), and N400 million for COVID-19 allowance backlog. He estimated that only about N500 million of the total funds would directly benefit resident doctors, working out to approximately N50,000 per person.
The doctors are demanding fair remuneration, payment of salary arrears, improved working conditions, and provision of essential medical infrastructure.
